The Top 5 Cat Window Perches of 2022

by Michelle Mayers Dec 03, 2020 May 13, 2022

Room With a View: Our 5 Favorite Cat Window Perches

Cats are complex animals, especially compared to their canine counterparts. They love to play, to watch over their kingdom, and to be entertained, says Scientific American, so observing the big, wide world around them is vital for your cat's wellness and mental health. Many cat owners satisfy their cat's natural curiosity by letting them roam outdoors, but according to a report from UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, this can shave upwards of 10 years off its lifespan. Providing your cat with a window perch may be the best of both worlds.

What is the purpose of a cat window perch?

A great cat window perch serves several purposes. Your cat will naturally gravitate to the nearest windowsill to observe birds fluttering by, watch out for you as you return home, and to scowl at dogs and people on the street outside. But window sills are hardly a cozy cat nook. The narrow, cold sill isn't very comfortable and can be especially rough on senior cats' joints and pressure points. Over the months and years, your cat will naturally scratch and peel away at the wood and paint of your windowsill. A good cat window perch helps with all of the above:

• It gives your cat a view of the world, keeping them entertained and engaged.
• It protects your windowsill from inadvertent pet damage.
• It adds comfort and safety, making the sill more ergonomic for cats of all ages.

When you browse the aisles of your local pet store, you'll quickly see that there are many different cat window perches and cat window beds. The options can be overwhelming, so narrow your choices while meeting your cat's unique needs and requirements by answering a few key questions.

Safety: What is the weight limit for the cat window perch?

The average domestic cat weighs 10-15 pounds, but some cats can differ dramatically in either direction, so make sure the cat window perch you're buying has adequate strength to hold the weight of your feline friend. Small cat breeds, such as the American Curl, the Singapura, the Siamese, and the Munchkin, tend to weigh around 5 pounds. Large domestic cats, such as the Siberian and the Maine Coon, can easily pass the 25-pound mark. Don't forget to take into consideration the total weight of all your cats if you have more than one cat companion. 

Convenience: How does the cat perch attach to your window?

There are two common ways that a cat perch affixes to your sill. The first, and more traditional approach, is the classic screws-and-nails method. You'll see this in older models where you need to drill or nail the cat perch into the sill or the wall to keep it secure. A similar, more modern method is a hook or ledge that uses gravity and balance to keep the perch in place.

The second and more convenient option is the suction-cup approach. Simply press the cat perch against the window, and voila! Your setup is complete in just seconds. Cat window perches that use suction cups may seem less sturdy, but the opposite is true in most cases, as the cups are arranged just right to support your cat's weight. Best of all, if your perch uses suction cups, you can affix the perch to any glass surface in your home.

Durability: What materials are the cat window perch made from?

Don't let price dictate your decision. Cheap cat window perches are made of flimsy plastic and thin fabrics. Over the long run, you'll often shell out more money replacing the perch frequently, so buying a more expensive, high-quality version is a wiser investment.

A quality window perch should be:

• Durable and sturdy. It shouldn't bend or warp under your cat's weight and must sustain added pressure when your cat pounces up onto the perch.
• Easy to wash and clean. Looks for models that can be wiped down with a damp cloth or withstand regular washing machine cycles for the fabric elements.
• Fun and engaging. Some perches are specifically designed to let your cat scratch and paw at the frame, whether that's coarse twine wrapped around the edges or a dangling toy attached to one of the sides.

Personality: Does your cat like open or narrow enclosures?

Every cat is different. Some love to be in tight, small spaces because it helps them feel more safe and secure. Other kitties prefer the room to stretch and watch the world. An excellent way to figure out your cat's personal preferences is by observing how they currently spend time around the house. Do they love to dart into boxes and hide under the bed? Or maybe they prefer to lounge on the couch or sleep on the kitchen table? Choose a cat window perch that matches their preference, whether that's a box-like design or a bed that leaves the view open and unobstructed. 

Budget: How much does a high-quality cat window perch cost?

As we mentioned before, cost should only be one determining factor, but be warned, prices can be misleading. Many owners choose to budget more money on cat window perches; however, some of the best options ring in at less than $50.

Style: How does the cat window perch fit your existing decor?

Some cat owners opt for a more conservative, minimalist approach where the cat window perch is as unobtrusive and subtle as possible. From sleek, clean lines to beige or white hues, some perches blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Others don't mind a windowsill perch that is more obvious, becoming part of the home's decor, complementing the room's look and feel.

A cat owner's guide to finding the best cat window perch

Your cat is royalty and likes to look down proudly at the world around them — literally. Cats enjoy being off the ground as a throwback to their primal ancestors, who hunt from high perches. It gives them a sense of safety and fun. But if you aren't careful, your cat will turn your curtains or your kitchen cabinets into their personal climbing jungle gym. Give your cat what it wants while protecting your sanity and your furniture by investing in a fun, high quality, durable cat window perch. 

The best cat window perch gives your feline friend a comfortable, safe view but not every cat window perch is the same. Our cat experts have reviewed and identified some of the hottest-selling cat window perches available, and we've broken down unique features and functions to give your cat a perch they'll love. 

5 great cat window perches every cat owner needs to review

Best budget perch: PEFUNY Window Perch Cat Bed

Proving that budget doesn't mean cheap quality, this cat window seat uses three giant suction cups to quickly and easily attach to any glass surface. The hammock hangs from three stainless steel cables, which allows this window perch to hold up to 40 pounds. The perch's frame itself is made from ultra-strong PVC, and the entire hammock is constructed from rugged fabric that is easily removed for cleaning.

Best for cold climates: K&H Heated Hanging Bed and Hammock

An orthopedic mattress, covered in easy-to-wash fake wool, hides a heater that gently warms the entire window perch so your cat can watch the world go by all year long, even in the dead of winter. No tools are required, but this perch does need a 2-inch windowsill to hook onto the ledge and securely hold your cat with a weight capacity of 40 pounds.

Best for cats that like enclosed spaces: K&H EZ Mount Window Bubble Pod

If you have a cat that is happiest in small, tight spaces, try this bubble pod. Its unusual design isn't exactly discreet, but it creates a unique haven for your kitty to soak in the outdoor views. The pod attaches to any glass surface with suction cups and can hold an impressive 60 pounds of weight. For multi-cat homes, additional pods are recommended. 

Best scratcher: Scratcher Kitty Sill

This cat window perch engages all of your feline's senses. The curved hammock shape is cozy and ergonomic, and a special cardboard section provides a rough surface that your cat will love to scratch. This perch comes pre-loaded with recycled cardboard and catnip, and you can easily refill it whenever your cat has worn through the scratching surface. This kitty sill attaches via three suction cups and holds up to 60 pounds of weight.

Best minimalism: Topmart Pet Cat Window Seat

For cat owners who don't like their pet furniture to stand out too much or take up a lot of room, the minimalist design of this window perch blends seamlessly with almost any type of room decor or paint scheme. The perch attaches to the windowsill with velcro, holding up to 20 pounds, or with screws to increase its weight-bearing ability to 30 pounds. A simple, sleek foam cushion gives your feline friend a cozy spot for suntanning.

Give your cat the view they want 

In the end, one of the most important guiding decisions is how you plan to prefer to attach your perch to your window or windowsill. Once you decide between suction cups or more permanent attachments, you can quickly narrow down your options and use other factors, like price, style, and material, to help you identify the best cat window perches for your needs. 

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